Will the Pirate football team make it back to the playoffs?

The next three games for the Pirates (2-2, 1-0) are critical for Grantsburg's chances to get back to the playoffs after missing them the past three years.

To make the playoffs in Wisconsin teams must finish with an above .500 record in their conference to get an automatic bid. Teams that finish at .500 will be looked at if the playoff brackets need more teams.

They play in Webster (1-3, 0-2)) Friday night. Though the Tigers have a losing record, they have losses to Clear Lake and Flambeau… two of the best teams in the state (more on that in a bit). Webster beat Grantsburg last year 28-0 en route to a conference championship.

After that the Pirates host St. Croix Falls (1-3, 0-2). The Saints are down a little this year, but have been in every game, losing to Clear Lake by only a touchdown. The Saints beat the Pirates last year 35-22.

The third game of this stretch is at Cameron (2-2, 1-0). Last year Cameron was the doormat of the conference (which included a 22-0 loss to Grantsburg). This year they look a bit better as they have knocked off St. Croix Falls already.

After that the Pirates have Clear Lake and Flambeau to finish the regular season. Not to be a pessimist here, but those are two VERY good programs and, while the Pirates could beat them, it will be a tall task.

Flambeau and Clear Lake are still undefeated (both are 4-0). The Falcons are ranked #4 in D6 and Clear Lake is not far behind them at #7 in D6.

If the Pirates win their next three games that would guarantee them a spot in the playoffs, regardless of the outcomes of the final two games. If they should lose just one of the next three, then it gets dicey. They would be guaranteed a .500 record in their conference, but should they lose the final two games they would not have an above .500 record overall, likely not making the playoffs.

My point is this: win the next three to take the pressure off, then you're playing those last two games to determine your seeding in the playoffs, not your playoff lives.

***Another area team is finding success this year as well. The Frederic Vikings (Grantsburg does not play them) are also ranked in D7 with an undefeated mark as well (4-0).